Gift Establishes Public Art Fund to Inspire, Engage Emerson Community

Emerson’s Boston campus has several striking new murals thanks to a generous gift from Susan and Robert Morse, P ’26 which promises to elevate the intellectual and creative atmosphere of the College.

The Fund for Public Art at Emerson has already supported five thought-provoking public artworks, including the newly installed “Morhent (maritime)” by Cyrille Conan in the new Fitness Center; Sophia Ainslie’s “Last Touch-Piano Row” in The Max cafe and lounge on the second floor of Piano Row; and “Light Within”by Silvia López Chavez on the fifth floor of the Paramount Center.

“We are honored to support Emerson, where art serves as a catalyst for exploration and discovery,” Robert Morse said.

The School of the Arts’ Public Art Think Tank played a key role in vetting the artists, to ensure that their work aligns with the College’s Public Art Guidelines. The Public Art Think Tank, composed of faculty, administrators, staff, and students, advises Emerson’s public art and campus art endeavors.

Distinguished Curator-in-Residence Leonie Bradbury helped organize the installations.

“The vision for these murals is to create uplifting aesthetic experiences while showcasing a broad range of styles, content, and approaches,” Bradbury said. “The overarching theme is ‘FLOW’ and the artists’ works range from traditional representational motifs, to digitally created organic forms, and fully abstract forms.” 

The gift is intended to ensure that Emerson students will continue to learn, engage, and be inspired by bold works of art for years to come.

“We are deeply grateful to the Morse family for their generous gift, which will enrich the Emerson experience in extraordinary ways,” said Emerson President Jay Bernhardt. “Public art ignites conversation, fosters creativity, and transforms shared spaces into sources of inspiration. Thanks to the Fund for Public Art, our campus will continue to be a dynamic environment where students, faculty, and visitors alike can engage with thought-provoking works that reflect the spirit of creativity and expression at the heart of Emerson College.”